Saturday, August 6, 2016

The dramatic increase in
the prevalence of autism spectrum conditions among children and adolescents and
the correspondingly large number of youth transitioning into adulthood has
created an urgent need to address the problems faced by many adults on the autism
spectrum. Nearly a half million youth with autism will enter adulthood over the
next decade and most will continue to need some type of services or supports.
In addition, there is a large and diverse group of adults whose autistic traits
were not identified in childhood and have not received the appropriate
interventions and supports.

Although autism symptoms may improve with age,
mental health issues may worsen in adolescence or adulthood. As a result, there
are a significant number of adults on the spectrum who are now seeking help to
deal with feelings of social isolation, interpersonal difficulties, anxiety,
depressed mood, and coping problems. Unfortunately, co-occurring mental health
issues such as anxiety and depression and even the diagnosis of an autism
spectrum condition itself often go unrecognized. Although the rate of mental
health issues for adults on the spectrum is high, accessing services to address
these symptoms is frequently difficult and the extent of the problem will only
increase as more and more youth transition to adulthood.

Evidence is beginning to
emerge for interventions targeting this growing and underserved group of
adults, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT has direct
applicability to adults on the autism spectrum who often have difficulty
understanding, managing, and expressing emotions. It has been shown to be
effective in changing the way a person thinks about and responds to feelings
such as anxiety and depression. With CBT, the individual learns skills to
modify thoughts and beliefs through a variety of strategies which improve
interaction with others in helpful and appropriate ways, thereby promoting
self-regulation and mental health. It is a goal oriented approach and primarily
emphasizes here-and-now problems, regardless of one’s past history, traits, or
diagnosis. CBT also provides a more structured approach than other types of
psychotherapy, relies less on insight and judgment than other models, and
focuses on practical problem-solving. Moreover, because individuals learn
self-help in treatment they are often able to maintain their improvement after
therapy has been completed. Evidence-based CBT holds considerable promise as an
effective intervention for improving the quality of life and psychological well-being
of adults on the autism spectrum. Nevertheless, it should not be assumed that
CBT interventions will universally produce positive outcomes for all
individuals on the spectrum. Research findings are only one component of
evidence-based practice. Intervention selection is complicated and must take
into consideration not only the best available research, but each individual’s
unique presentation including specific strengths and needs, individual and
family values and preferences, and available family and community resources.

Despite the availability
of effective psychological treatments for anxiety and depression, a substantial
number of adults on the autism spectrum do not seek professional help. Common
barriers to mental health care access include limited availability and
affordability of services, confidentiality issues, lack of insurance coverage,
frequent delays and long waiting periods, and social stigma. Moreover, many
service providers do not have the experience or expertise to work with
individuals on the autism spectrum, particularly those with co-occurring mental
health issues. Self-help interventions represent an increasingly popular
alternative to therapist-delivered psychological therapies, offering the
potential of increased access to cost-effective treatment for a range of
different mental health issues. They provide an opportunity for the individual
to gain some useful insights and begin to work through their problems with
limited guidance from a therapist or mental health professional. Research has
clearly shown that self-help strategies are effective, practical, and
acceptable for many individuals in reducing mental health problems such as mild
to moderate anxiety and depression. As a result, self-help interventions have
the potential to play an important role in providing effective treatment to the
large proportion of adults on the spectrum who are experiencing mental health
issues. Of course, the use of self-help strategies alone are not appropriate
for all individuals on the spectrum. Some adults will need the ongoing
supportive assistance and direct services of a qualified mental health
professional.

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The objective of bestpracticeautism.com is to advocate, educate, and informby providing a best practice guide to the screening, assessment, and intervention for school-age children on the autism spectrum. Timely articles and postings include topics such as screening, evaluation, positive behavior support (PBS), self-management, educational planning, IEP development, gender differences, evidence-based interventions (EBI) and more. This site also features up-to-date information on scientifically validated treatment options for children with ASD and a list of best practice books, articles, and links to organizations. Designed to be a practical and useful resource, bestpracticeautism.com offers essential information for psychologists, teachers, counselors, advocates and attorneys, special education professionals, and parents.

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“It is rare that one book can pack so many resources and easy to digest information into a single volume! Families, school personnel, and professionals all need the extensive, and up-to-date tips, guides, and ‘must-knows’ provided here. It’s obvious the author is both a seasoned researcher and practitioner – a winning combination.” - Dr. Debra Moore, psychologist and co-author with Dr. Temple Grandin, of The Loving Push: How Parents & Professionals Can Help Spectrum Kids Become Successful Adult

“Dr Wilkinson has done it again. This updated and scholarly Second Edition reflects important recent changes regarding diagnosis and services for students with Autism Spectrum Disorder. With its numerous best-practice suggestions, it is a must-read for school psychologists, school social workers, and those who teach in general and special education.” - Dr Steven Landau, Professor of School Psychology in the Department of Psychology, Illinois State University

“This book is an essential resource for every educator that works with students with ASD! The easy-to-read format is complete with up to date research on evidence-based practices for this population, sample observation and assessment worksheets and case studies that allow the reader to apply the information presented.” - Gena P. Barnhill, PhD, NCSP, BCBA-D, LBA, Director of Special Education Programs at Lynchburg College, Lynchburg, VA

“As a parent-advocate, Dr. Wilkinson's book is both comprehensive and easy to digest. It's comprehensive because it provides readers with a 10,000 foot view of the landscape. It's easy to digest because it is written in language that non-professionals can understand. If you read only one book, this is the one.” - Dan Harris, JD

"The author does a wonderful job presenting all of the data, facts, figures and statistics in a very structured layout that is straightforward, practical and convenient to access. With the rising incidence of children being diagnosed on the Autism spectrum, this guide should be required reading for all direct service providers who work with children in the school setting. On behalf of the Autism community I extend a sincere thank you to Lee Wilkinson for this impressive and most valuable resource.” - ParentCoachingforAutism.com

“Dr. Wilkinson has created an outstanding blend of academic research and practical application in a text that is so clearly written it is a pleasure to read for professionals and parents alike. This book fills an important need that has existed for years. Dr. Wilkinson has created an indispensable resource that should definitely be in each school’s professional library.” - Ally4Autism.com

"The author has expertly formatted the book and each chapter so that the reader is provided with an excellent resource of recent and relevant information pertaining to screening, formal assessment, and interventions with individuals in this population.” - Canadian Journal of School Psychology

“The uses and limitations of a variety of methods from psychometrics to observational assessments are clearly presented. Case studies give the reader exemplars of a range of assessments and the implications for learning in a highly readable way. Key issues are provided in summary boxes. Interventions include a detailed guide to promote skills in self-monitoring in the learner. In summary, this is an accessible book, of benefit to all those involved in the assessment and support of students with ASD.” - Educational Psychology in Practice

"School district administrators, attorneys, educators, and psychologists will want to have this guide available to them as a resource on 'best practices' in the field of ASD." -Diane Adreon, Associate Director, University of Miami-Nova Southeastern University center for Autism and Related Disabilities (UM-NSU CARD)

"This book provides a complete source for parents, educators, researchers and clinicians seeking information related to assessment and interventions available for individuals (mostly children) diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). Parents will benefit from reading this book as it exposes variety of issues to consider when seeking assessment and treatment for their children." -Journal of Autism and Developmental Disorders

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